Walmart is rolling out new perks for its hourly U.S. workers, including a bonus plan and opportunities to transition into skilled trade jobs within the company. The bonus plan will be based on store performance and years of experience, with full-time workers potentially earning up to $1,000 per year. The company is also investing in a training program for hourly workers to move into roles in facilities maintenance, refrigeration, HVAC, and automation, with pay ranging from $19 to $45 per hour. Walmart is looking to increase the number of skilled trade workers from 450 to around 2,000 in the next two years.
In addition to the new perks, Walmart is offering stock grants of up to $20,000 per year to U.S. store managers. The company’s average hourly wage is close to $18, with starting wages for U.S. workers ranging from $14 to $19 per hour. The training program for skilled trades is set to begin with 100 workers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and is part of Walmart Academy, a large skill-development program in the country. Walmart has seen strong results in recent quarters as it attracts shoppers seeking discounts amid high inflation, particularly households with incomes over $100,000.
Walmart’s skilled trades initiative mirrors a program launched two years ago that allowed distribution and fulfillment center employees to become certified truck drivers. The company raised pay for its 12,000 truck drivers and now offers starting salaries between $95,000 and $110,000 per year. The trucker program has produced over 500 new drivers since its launch, helping Walmart address a nationwide shortage of truck drivers. Walmart also offers training programs for pharmacy techs and opticians, while expanding the number of skills certificates available to fast-track front-line workers into higher-paying and in-demand jobs.
The company has increased the number of skilled certificates available from five in 2020 to 50 now, covering topics such as front-line manager leadership, data science, software development, and project management. Employees can earn these certificates in four months, providing them with opportunities for career advancement within the company. Walmart is emphasizing its worker training efforts ahead of two major events, including a virtual shareholders’ meeting and a celebration of its workers at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Arkansas. These initiatives reflect Walmart’s commitment to investing in its workforce and providing employees with opportunities for growth and development.
